
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes (2022)
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes explores the full, unvarnished true story of what happened in one of the least understood tragedies of the twentieth century.
Nearly four decades after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded in Soviet Ukraine, newly uncovered archival footage and recorded interviews with those who were present paint an emotional and gripping portrait of the extent and gravity of the disaster, as well as the lengths to which the Soviet government went to cover up the incident, including allegedly sending in soldiers to “liquidate” the damage.
The HBO documentary has a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and won the 2023 BAFTA TV Award for Editing, Factual, with nominations for Best Single Documentary and Best Director, Factual.
“It's a difficult watch, but Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes is one of the year's best documentaries,” says Decider.
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes is directed and produced by Emmy winner James Jones (On the President's Orders, Antidote) and executive produced by BAFTA nominee Darren Kemp (Mariupol: The People's Story).
Showmax is also home to the HBO drama series Chernobyl, which won 10 Emmys and is at #5 on IMDb’s top ranked TV shows of all time.
More like this

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)
An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1
Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in
The two-part documentary series Brakpan Chronicles, by Rian van Heerden and Provoco, will premiere soon on Showmax.

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025)
This intimate and uplifting documentary explores Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Wizkid's rise to superstardom as one of the biggest Afrobeats artists.

Helderberg S1
South Africa suffered its worst air disaster in 1987. The hunt for the truth about what happened to SAA Flight 295 is still on almost 40 years later.

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)
This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
More eye-opening documentaries to stream

Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more
Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)
An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1
Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.
Latest Stories

Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor

A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2

Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax

Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch

Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office

20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream

Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online

How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life

What to watch on Showmax in January 2026

7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts

Die Kwiksilwers (2024)

Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax

Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more

Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more

Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga

Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa

Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back

Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch

Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV







